Farmers in Cape Town's Philippi area oppose development plans threatening vital agricultural land

Farmers in Cape Town's Philippi Horticultural Area, which produces over half of the city's fresh produce, are fighting against rezoning proposals from developers. This agricultural zone is vital for drought-resistant farming, sitting atop an important aquifer. Achmad Binkhuis, who runs Chamomile Farm, highlights the economic threats to farming today, contrasting it with past racial restrictions under Apartheid. His farm supports local workers by providing jobs and childcare, emphasizing community growth alongside business. The proposed changes could jeopardize the livelihoods of farmers and the food supply for nearly 5 million residents in the Cape Flats, a region facing increasing urban development pressures.